New Delhi, June 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commission three indigenously built frontline naval platforms – INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak and INS Agray – at a ceremony in Kolkata on June 21, marking another milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen maritime capabilities under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) initiative.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), the three vessels collectively enhance the Navy’s capabilities in maritime warfare, hydrographic surveying and anti-submarine operations.
INS Dunagiri, the fifth stealth frigate under the Project 17A programme, is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles and the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, significantly boosting the Navy’s combat capabilities.
INS Sanshodhak, the fourth Survey Vessel (Large), has been designed to undertake coastal and deep-sea hydrographic surveys and collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both military and civilian applications. The vessel is fitted with sophisticated survey equipment, including autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles.
INS Agray, the fourth vessel in the Arnala-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft series, is equipped with lightweight torpedoes, indigenous rocket launchers and shallow-water sonar systems, enabling it to detect and neutralise underwater threats in littoral waters.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the three platforms underscore the Navy’s balanced approach to capability development by enhancing blue-water operational reach, strengthening maritime domain awareness and improving coastal defence against emerging threats.
The vessels have an indigenous content exceeding 75 percent and were built with the participation of more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), generating substantial employment and highlighting the growing maturity of India’s domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.
The ministry said the induction of the three platforms reflects the collaborative efforts of the government, the Indian Navy, public sector shipyards, private industry and MSMEs in advancing self-reliance in defence production and reinforcing India’s maritime strength.
